Covering installation

ABSTRACT

An installation for covering vehicles or other goods includes a first covering structure that defines a first opening for entry of vehicles or devices moving the goods, a second covering structure located under the first structure and defining a second entry opening, the first and the second covering structures being self-supporting, or one being self-supporting while the other one not, at least at its top, wherein at least one of the first or second covering structure is configured to laterally slide along arcs for causing the installation to transition between a first closing condition, in which one of the covering structures closes the opening of the other structure to define a covered space that is closed and separated from the external environment, and a second opening condition, in which the first and the second opening are at least partially radially aligned, thus defining an entry/exit passage into/from the covered space.

The present invention relates to an improved installation for covering vehicles, objects, loads and/or goods.

In particular, the present invention can be used in the automotive or aeronautical sector, or in general for the coverage of any type of vehicle, both of the surface and flying type, both of motorized and non-motorized type, both of man-driven and remote-guided type. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hangar-type installation for covering airplane, e.g. helicopters or aircraft.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a covering installation for objects, loads or goods to be stored and then moved if necessary, by means of conventional transport and moving means (for example forklift or transpallet) for the entry into and/or exit from said installation, and also within the latter.

Dome structures are known (such as for example the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,607 B1) and they are particularly suitable for housing at least one airplane, for example a two-seater airplane. They have an access opening dimensioned for the entry of the vehicle, and a side-sliding door to close the opening. The door has a curved three-dimensional profile like the one of the overlying dome and can slide inside the latter by brushing it.

Since the dome structure is very heavy, being reinforced by cement, it becomes very inconvenient for an amateur pilot to build a hangar like that. In general, the construction of the dome is laborious.

The upper part of the door is slidably connected to a curved guide fixed to the internal surface of the dome, and this is a necessary condition for anchoring the door to a supporting structure. Also, the considerable constructive complexity of the door guide discourages an enthusiast from mounting it alone and limits the diffusion of hangars only in their airports with skilled manpower.

The increase of costs and complexity in U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,607 derives also from other factors, like: the fact that the weight of the door forces to use a motorization to move it, and the concrete base supporting the hangar is dimensioned for a considerable weight.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,707 instead describes a hangar for airplanes formed by a single covering structure that is formed by two semi-circular halves that are mounted on wheels and are movable relatively to each other. More in detail, each half is formed of a plurality of glass fiber panels and, furthermore, one or more wheels of each half is associated with a motor to cause the complete rotation of one half with respect to the other so as to define an entry/exit opening having an angular development which is always and only of 180°. Moreover, the two halves are connected to each other at their upper end by a central fulcrum supported by arcuate support elements, which are positioned externally with respect to the covering structure and, in particular, are anchored to the ground a spaced distance away from the vertical sides of the covering structure.

DE259380 describes an airship hangar formed by a central pillar (upright) on which are mounted a plurality of covering portions provided at the bottom with wheels sliding along rails. In particular, the adjacent portions are shaped and sized so that, as a result of their rotation around said pillar, they are arranged one above the other.

FR2169261 describes a device for the maintenance of a building and, in particular, of the domed-shaped roof of a building, and therefore does not concern an installation for covering vehicles and/or objects, loads or goods. In particular, the device of FR2169261 comprises three curved catwalks connected to each other, at an upper end, to a shaft which, preferably, is fixed to the upper area of the domed roof; instead, the lower ends of each catwalk are provided with motorized wheels. Moreover, each catwalk is formed by a metal structure with a triangular section that supports a floor from which it is possible to access the internal surface of the dome.

DE202006008933 describes a covering structure comprising a base surface and a plurality of segments which are articulated at both their ends about a horizontal axis.

The main object of the invention is to propose an improved installation for covering vehicles and/or objects/loads/goods which overcomes the drawbacks of traditional solutions.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation with an alternative and/or improved characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, with respect to the traditional ones.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows to optimize the installation space, in particular by avoiding any obstruction of the surrounding and external area with respect to that defined by the covering surface.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows to optimize the covering space, in particular by fully exploiting the covering surface defined therein.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows to optimize the number of vehicles and/or objects/loads/goods that can be positioned inside.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows an extreme versatility of the position, in particular of the angular position, for the entry and/or exit of vehicles and/or of the means for the transport/moving of the objects/loads/goods.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows an extreme variability of the dimensions of the entry and/or exit opening of vehicles and/or of the means for the transport/moving of the objects/loads/goods.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which allows to obtain a pleasant overall aesthetic effect and which provides the observer with the sensation of being in front of a high quality construction, both on an aesthetic and functional level.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which is simple, easy and quick to assemble.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation which can be transportable and which can be easily installed and positioned in different zones.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved installation that can be realized simply, quickly and at low costs.

All these objects, both individually and in any combination thereof, as well as other objects which will result from the following description, are achieved, according to the invention, with an improved installation for covering vehicles and/or objects/loads/goods as defined in claim 1.

In particular, the improved installation according to the invention for covering vehicles and/or objects/loads/goods comprises:

a first covering structure that is configured to define a first opening (e.g. in the shape of a segment) for the entry of vehicles (V, T) and/or means for moving said objects/loads/goods,

at least one second structure which is located below the first structure and is shaped so as to define a second entry opening,

and is characterized in that:

said first covering structure and said at least one second covering structure are self-supporting, or one of said structures (i.e. the first or the second structure) is self-supporting while the other structure (i.e. the second or the first structure) is at least partly supported by said self-supporting structure,

at least one of the two structures is laterally sliding on arcs of the same circumference for causing the passage of said installation between a first closing condition, wherein a covering structure closes the opening of the other structure so as to define a covered space that is closed and separated from the external environment, and at least a second opening condition, wherein said first opening and said second opening are at least partially radially aligned so as to define an entry/exit passage into/from said covered space.

Advantageously, said at least one of the two structures which is laterally sliding is supported only by three or more points resting on the ground which are separated from each other and are translatable on arcs of the same circumference (C) for moving the structure; said resting points being located as the vertices of a polygon which is inscribed in the circumference (C) and includes the center.

Conveniently, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure are laterally sliding to close the opening of the other structure (by means of a full portion).

In particular, the first structure comprises a full portion, which defines the covering portion, and an empty portion, which defines said first opening for the entry of vehicles (V, T) and/or of the means for moving said objects/loads/goods. In particular, the second structure comprises a full portion, which defines the covering portion, and an empty portion, which defines said second opening.

Conveniently, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure are rotatable around an ideal vertical axis so as to slide laterally, thus closing the opening of the other structure (by means of a full portion).

Preferably, the first (external) structure and the second (internal) structure are both rotatable about the same vertical axis so as to slide laterally, thus closing the opening of the other structure (by means of a full portion).

Advantageously, the first covering structure comprises a first frame which is configured to be self-supporting and to support a first covering element.

Advantageously, the first frame rests on the ground at at least two points, preferably at least three points, which are provided with sliding means.

Advantageously, the second structure comprises a second frame which is configured to be self-supporting and for supporting a second covering element.

Advantageously, the second frame rests on the ground at at least two points, preferably at least three points, which are provided with sliding means.

Advantageously, in an alternative embodiment, the first structure is consisting of a first covering coating that is configured to be self-supporting. In particular, in this case said first covering coating is made, for example, by a plurality of segments or panels, made of a material having suitable structural capacities (for example of a suitable composite material), which are arranged and mechanically connected one next to the other.

Advantageously, in an alternative embodiment, the second structure consists of a second covering coating that is configured to be self-supporting. In particular, in this case said second covering coating is made, for example, by a plurality of segments or panels, made of a material having suitable structural capacities (for example of a suitable composite material), which are arranged and mechanically connected one next to the other.

Advantageously, the first covering structure (external) and/or the second covering structure (internal) are self-supporting, in the sense that in addition to perform the function of covering the underlying space and surface, they also support themselves. Advantageously, in this way, the first (external) structure does not need a supporting structure that is external to the structure itself, nor one or more uprights which support internally and centrally said structure.

Advantageously, when both structures are self-supporting, the second (internal) structure does not necessarily have to be connected to the above first (external) structure in order to avoid its falling.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure is self-supporting, while the second (internal) structure is supported (i.e. sustained) at its upper end or zone by the first structure.

Advantageously, the second (internal) structure is hinged to the first structure (external) at the respective upper end.

Advantageously, the second (internal) structure is connected to the first (external) structure at the respective upper end by a guide element.

Advantageously, when both structures are self-supporting, the second structure (internal) is disconnected, released and structurally independent from the first (external) structure.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and the second (internal) structure are configured to be self-supporting, particularly even when the respective structures are open and/or are subject to external loads.

Advantageously, the first structure (external) and the second (internal) structure are configured to be self-supporting without the need of additional elements that are supported/fixed to the ground and are external and internal with respect to the space and to the useful surface to be covered.

In essence, the whole installation becomes much slimmer and less expensive, and assembly is consequently simplified and faster. In particular, the fact that both the supporting structures are self-supporting, or that a structure is self-supporting while the other structure rests on the self-supporting structure, avoids the encumbrance of the surrounding area with external supporting scaffolding, and also allows to optimize the covering space and surface defined inside.

Advantageously, the first covering structure is self-supporting and rests on the ground only at points provided with sliding means.

Advantageously, the second covering structure is self-supporting and rests on the ground only at points provided with sliding means.

Advantageously, the second (internal) structure has a lower edge which is slidably supported by said first (external) structure. Advantageously, the second (internal) structure is self-supporting and is slidable along guides mounted on the lower part of the first (external) structure.

Advantageously, the second (internal) structure is upperly supported by said first (external) structure and is slidable along guides which are mounted lowerly on the first (external) structure. Preferably, the second (internal) structure is hinged upperly on said first (external) structure and is slidable along guides which are mounted lowerly on the inner surface of said first (external) structure.

The movable part of the installation can be the first (external) structure or the second (internal) structure, or both. In fact, according to the present invention, it is sufficient that at least one of the two structures is movable relative to the other so as to act as a door.

In particular, it is specified that hereinafter, and in general in this document, the term “door” means the structure (that is the first and/or the second structure) that is movable. Conveniently, if both structures are movable, each will be provided mutatis mutandis of the features described here or defined for the door.

Advantageously, when both the two structures are movable (in particular rotating around the same ideal axis), the entry or exit opening is not fixed but can be “moved” if necessary by moving the two structures to overlap the relative openings in a certain point. In particular, in this case, the vehicles or the transport means can be moved inside the installation so as to arrange them according to any other arrangement and, preferably, radially with respect to the center of the installation; conveniently, in this way, each vehicle/transport mean can then leave or arrive without moving the others.

Advantageously, the first and/or the second movable structure (door) is stably rotatable around an axis (for example vertical) passing through the center of the circumference. Preferably this axis is of polar symmetry for the first and/or second structure.

Preferably, the resting points of the first (external) structure and of the second (internal) structure are placed as the vertices of a triangle, a square, a hexagon, or in general a regular or irregular polygon of N vertices, wherein N>=3.

Advantageously, the resting points of the first (external) structure and of the second (internal) structure are arranged so that the center of the circumference belongs to one side of the polygon inscribed in the circumference (thus the side corresponding to a diameter).

Advantageously, the resting points of the first (external) structure and of the second (internal) structure are arranged so that the center of the circumference is spaced from each side of the polygon. In particular, in this case, the movable structure (door) has a wider and more stable base; conveniently, the polygon with a minimum number of vertices that ensures good stability is the equilateral triangle.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have a substantially curved shape, without edges.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure are dome-shaped.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure are shaped so that, when the installation is located in a closed condition, they define a substantially domed shape.

Preferably, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have the shape of a spherical cap, preferably of a hemisphere, without a spherical segment at the respective openings. In other words, the respective openings of the structures are defined by the missing/removed spherical segment with respect to the spherical cap.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have in plan a base with edges.

Advantageously, the first structure (external) and/or the second (internal) structure are provided in plan with edges.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have in plan a circular base.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have edges along the covering surface.

Advantageously, the surface of the covering element of the first (external) structure and/or of the second (internal) structure are defined, at least partly by tessellation, for example with tiles or portions of various shapes, in particular triangular.

Advantageously, the first (external) structure and/or the second (internal) structure have a shape that is pointed or tapered upwardly (e.g., ogival or semispherical or ellipsoid).

Advantageously, the frame of said first (external) and/or of said structure second structure (internal) is a trellis, or tubular or, again, made of metal or wooden beams. Conveniently, the frames of said first structure (external) and/or of said second (internal) structure are configured so as to be particularly light, while being self-supporting, so that to bring the installation into the closed condition no motorization is required, because it is sufficient the use of manual force.

Advantageously, the covering element of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure comprises a covering which is directly supported by said first or said second frame.

Advantageously, the covering element of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure comprise a subframe, preferably reticulated, in order to support a covering coating.

Advantageously, the covering coating of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure is a covering sheet or comprises a covering with tiles or other portions of suitable covering materials.

Advantageously, the covering coating of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure is made of transparent material.

Advantageously, the covering coating of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure it is made of opaque material.

Advantageously, the entry opening of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure extends up to the top of the structure or only up to an intermediate height.

Advantageously, the entry opening of the first (external) structure and/or of the second (internal) structure is a segment of semicircle.

Advantageously, the entry opening of the first (external) structure has a shape substantially complementary to that of said second (internal) structure.

Advantageously, the entry opening of the first (external) structure has a circumferential development that substantially corresponds or is slightly larger with respect to that of said second (internal) structure.

Advantageously, the frame of said first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure is composed of a curved vertical supporting element for each resting point, this supporting element converging towards—and joining in correspondence of—the center of the ceiling of the structure. Preferably, this supporting element has a longitudinal curvature that corresponds substantially to the generating curve of the domed shape of the corresponding structure.

Advantageously, the door (i.e. the first and/or second structure which is movable) is formed by a barrier portion, which serves to occlude the entry opening of the other structure.

Advantageously, the door (i.e. the first and/or second structure which is movable) is formed by an opening, which can be aligned by moving the door with the entry opening of the other structure.

Advantageously, the opening of the door (i.e. the first and/or second structure which is movable) is a semi-circumferential segment.

Advantageously, the barrier portion of the door (i.e. the first and/or second structure which is movable) may have an area equal to or less than or greater than that of the entry opening of the other structure.

Advantageously, the barrier portion of the door (i.e. the first and/or second movable structure) may be full or it could also be a net or a portion with bars.

Advantageously, at least one or each point resting on the ground of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure is provided with at least one wheel for sliding along the circumference.

Advantageously, at least one or each point resting on the ground of the first (external) structure and/or of said second structure (internal) is slidably engaged on a curved guide that binds it on said circumferential arc. Preferably the curved guide is incorporated or integral with a flat base for installation. Preferably, the curved guide is supported and fixed removably to a flat base for installation. Conveniently on the base, which is for example made of cement, rest at least the resting points of the first (external) structure and/or of said second (internal) structure.

Advantageously, on said first structure and/or on said second structure are provided service ports configured for the access by at least one user/operator.

The present invention is hereinbelow further clarified in a preferred embodiment thereof, which is described purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an installation according to invention in a closed condition and with an airplane parked therein,

FIG. 2 shows it according to a plan view in an open condition,

FIG. 3 shows it according to an exploded view,

FIG. 4 shows it according to a perspective view in an open condition

FIG. 5 shows it according to a perspective view in a closed condition,

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an installation according to the invention in an open condition and with transparent covering elements, and in which land vehicles are parked inside it,

FIG. 7 shows according to a plan view, and in its first opening condition, an installation according to the invention, in which land vehicles are parked inside, and having opaque covering elements,

FIG. 8 shows according to a plan view the same installation of FIG. 7 in a second and different opening condition,

FIG. 9 shows according to a plan view the same installation of FIG. 7 in a third and different opening condition,

FIG. 10 shows according to a perspective view an installation, according to the invention, in an open condition, and inside which objects/loads/goods to be moved are stored by means of a traditional transport/moving means,

FIG. 11 shows according to a plan view an installation according to the invention, in a first opening condition, for the entry of land vehicles,

FIG. 12 shows according to a plan view, and with the covering elements in transparency, the installation of FIG. 11 in closed condition with the land vehicles parked therein,

FIG. 13 illustrates according to a plan view the installation of FIG. 11, in a second and different opening condition, for the exit of the previously parked land vehicles.

As shown by the figures, the installation 10, according to the invention, for covering airplanes V or objects/loads/goods M comprises a first structure 20 which, advantageously, is dome-shaped and is provided with a first opening 22 of size and configuration suitable to allow the entry of an airplane V or a land (or surface) vehicle T.

Conveniently, the installation 10 is suitable to be used for covering any type of vehicle, both of surface type T (see FIGS. 6-9 and 11-13) and flying type V (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). Preferably, the installation 10 is of the hangar type and is suitable for covering airplane, e.g. helicopters or aircraft.

Conveniently, the installation 10 is sized to cover a single vehicle (for example a single airplane V, as shown in FIG. 1) or a plurality of vehicles (for example a plurality of surface vehicles T, also different among them, as shown in FIG. 6).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the installation 10 is suitable for being used for covering objects/loads/goods M to be stored inside and then moving when necessary, by means of conventional transport and moving means (for example forklift or transpallet), for the entry into and/or exit from said installation 10, as well as inside the latter.

Preferably, the first structure 20 is a semi-spherical shell, symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis Y, and the first opening 22 represents a missing segment thereof.

Within and under the first structure 20 there is a second structure 30. In particular, the first structure 20 substantially defines an external structure, while the second structure 30 substantially defines an internal structure.

Conveniently, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the second structure 30 substantially defines a laterally sliding door to close the opening 22 of the first structure 20.

Conveniently, both the first structure 20 and the second structure 30 are configured, and in particular are shaped and sized, so as to be self-supporting.

Preferably, the first structure 20 comprises a first frame 21 which is configured to be self-supporting and to support a first covering element 23. The second structure 30 comprises a second frame 31 which is configured to be self-supporting and to support a second covering element 33. Conveniently, the second frame 31 and the corresponding second covering element 33 are located below and inside the first frame 21 which supports the first covering element 23.

Advantageously, the fact that the two frames 21 and 31 for supporting the covering elements 23 and 33 are self-supporting enables that the second internal structure 30 does not necessarily have to be connected to the above first external structure 20 in order to avoid its falling.

Preferably, the second structure 30 is free and structurally independent from the first structure 20. In particular, the second structure 30 has no constraints with the first structure 20, from which it is separated by a gap sufficient to guarantee relative movement without obstacles. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the second structure 30 is connected to the first structure 20 by means of a pivot pin or by means of a guide element, which facilitates its mutual positioning during the assembly/installation phase.

Preferably, also the second structure 30 is a semi-spherical shell, symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis Y, and has a second opening 32. Conveniently, the second aperture 32 defines a missing segment of radial amplitude preferably equal to at least that of the first structure 20. The second structure 30 has three or more points 36 for resting on the ground (FIG. 4) which are preferably arranged as the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Advantageously, the points 36 are provided with sliding means, preferably with sliding wheels, and are translatable on curved guides 34 placed on the ground which describe arcs of the same circumference C in the center of which the Y axis passes.

Preferably, the second structure 30 and the first structure 20 rest on a base 90 made of cement or the like. Conveniently, the guides 34 can be incorporated in the base 90 or can be placed and mounted/installed removably on the latter.

Conveniently, in this way, the second structure 30 is rotatable about the Y axis (see arrow F) below the first structure 20, which instead remains fixed, to occlude the first opening 22 with its own wall (FIGS. 2 and 5) or to free the first opening 22 by aligning the second aperture 32 with it (FIGS. 1 and 4). In other words, the first structure 20 and the second structure 30 have as base a circumferential arc, and the two arches are coplanar and belong to two concentric circumferences. Conveniently, the missing part of such arcs corresponds to the openings 22 and 32.

In essence, the relative sliding of the second structure 30 with respect to the first structure 20 along arcs of the same circumference C, or vice versa, causes the installation 10 to pass between a first condition (also called closing condition), in which the first opening 22 of the first structure 20 is covered by the second structure 30 so as to define a covered space 50 which is closed and separated from the external environment, and at least a second condition (also called opening condition), wherein the first opening 22 of the first structure 20 is at least partially facing/overlap—along a radial direction with respect to a center defined by the Y axis about which said second structure 30 rotates—with the second opening 32 of the second structure 30 for defining thereby an entry/exit passage into/from said covered space 50.

Preferably, when both the first structure 20 and the second structure 30 are rotable, the installation 10 has a plurality of second opening operating conditions (cf. FIGS. 11 and 13), each of which can be defined in any angular position defined with respect to the axis Y around which said first structure 20 and said second structure 30 rotate.

Preferably, the frames 31 and 21, respectively of the second structure 30 and of the first structure 20, are configured as a trellis and, therefore, are particularly light.

Preferably, each of the frames 21 and 31 comprises a supporting beam (FIGS. 3 and 4) comprising three (or even more) curved supporting elements 38 arranged radially around the Y axis. Each supporting element 38 is curved to follow the convex profile of the covering element which it supports and ends at the top on the Y axis where it meets and joins the other supporting elements 38.

Conveniently, it is also understood that the frame 31 of the second structure 30 is a smaller scale version of the frame 21 of the first structure 20.

Advantageously, the supporting elements 38 which define the frame 31 of the second structure 30 terminate at the bottom with resting points 36 provided with sliding means. Conveniently, the supporting elements 38, which define the frame 21 of the first structure 20, can be fixed to the ground or, in an embodiment not shown, may be provided—alternatively or in addition to the sliding means provided on the second structure 30—with sliding means in correspondence of its ground resting points.

Advantageously, the two frames 21 and 31, both of the first 20 and of the second structure 30, support a subframe 40, preferably reticular, which supports a covering coating. Preferably, this subframe 40 is formed by a reticular with triangular cells, each of which can support a covering coating that can be defined by a covering sheet or by rigid triangular tiles. Conveniently, the set of tiles can form a tessellation of the semi-spherical surface.

Advantageously, the subframe 40 can be easily assembled starting from segments 42 (FIG. 3) which by their juxtaposition one to another form the overall curved wall.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first structure 20 (the external one) is fixed while the second structure 30 (the internal one) is rotatably slidable and acts substantially as a door. However, it is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the second structure 30 (the internal one) can be fixed while the first structure 20 (the external one) is rotatably movable and acts substantially as a door, or—as shown for example in FIGS. 11 and 13—both the first structure 20 (the external one) and the second structure 30 (the internal one) can be rotatably slidable, preferably along respective guides 34, to rotate around the Y axis independently of one another. In particular, in this last case, the opening for the entry (see FIG. 11) of the vehicles V, T or of the moving means R inside the covered space 50 is different (for example, it is in a diametrically opposed position) with respect to the opening provided for the exit (see FIG. 13) of the vehicles/moving means from said covered space 50.

The installation according to the invention is particularly advantageous compared to traditional solutions as:

the covering structures that make the installation are lean and inexpensive and, therefore, their assembly is consequently simplified and faster; more in detail, the first structure and the second structure are particularly light, preferably thanks to the construction with a trellis (which can for example be made of steel or aluminium pipes) and the installation times are reduced; conveniently, in this way, the base can be extremely simplified and be sized for a weight lower than that of U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,607,

the external covering structure and/or the internal covering structure are self-supporting and therefore do not risk falling, not even if they went out their guides during their sliding; furthermore, the external and/or internal structure that acts as a door can be opened indifferently to the right or left,

the lightness of the external and/or internal covering structure that defines the door causes that it does not necessarily to have an engine for its opening, as a manual force could be sufficient; in this case, the overall cost savings and the structural simplification are evident, however, it is understood that, if necessary, motorization means may also be provided for actuating the sliding of the first and/or the second structure.

Further, unlike U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,707 and DE259380, both the covering structures of the present installation, that is both the external and internal ones, are self-supporting and do not require additional support elements and/or frames, such as in particular the external arches which in U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,707 support the apex of the structure or the internal and central post (upright) in DE259380. This is particularly advantageous since it enables to the solution according to the present invention a high intrinsic stability, without however limiting/encumbering the area surrounding the useful covering surface (as in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,707) or within the same covering surface (as in case of DE259380); in particular, unlike DE259380, the solution according to the present invention allows a complete usability of the covered surface.

Furthermore, the solution according to the present invention confers a suitable intrinsic safety due to the lack of doors which can exit from the guides during their movement, as well as allows an extreme freedom of choice in the position of the entry and exit of the vehicle and/or of the moving means into/from the coverage area. Furthermore, the fact that in U.S. Pat. No. 3,736,707 and DE259380 the supporting elements and frames (both external and internal) are separated with respect to the covering structures causes the presence of undesired obstacles which could be damaged during the operations of vehicles or moving means, as well as they could damage the latter. 

The invention claimed is: 1.-25. (canceled)
 26. An installation for covering vehicles, loads, objects, or goods comprising: a first covering structure that is shaped to define a first opening for entry of vehicles or moving devices of the loads, objects, or goods; and a second covering structure, which is located under the first structure and is shaped so define a second entry opening, wherein: the first covering structure and second covering structure are self-supporting, or one of the first or second covering structures is self-supporting while the other one of the first or second covering structures is supported, at least at its top, by the one that is self-supporting structure, and at least one of the first covering structure or the second covering structure is configured to laterally slide along arcs having a same circumference so at to cause the installation to transition between a first closing condition, in which the at least one of the first covering structure or the second covering structure closes the first or the second opening so as to define a covered space that is closed and separated from an external environment, and at least a second opening condition, wherein the first opening and the second opening are at least partially radially aligned, thus defining an entry/exit passage into/from the covered space.
 27. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the at least one of the at least one of the first covering structure or the second covering structure is laterally sliding and is supported only in three or more resting points on a ground, the three or more points being separate from each other and translatable along arcs of a circumference so as to cause a movement of the at least one of the first covering structure or the second covering structure, the resting points being disposed as vertices of a polygon, which is inscribed in the circumference defined by the three or more points and includes a center thereof.
 28. The installation according to claim 27, wherein one or each of the resting points is slidably engaged on a curved guide, which binds the one or each of the resting points on a respective circumferential arc.
 29. The installation according to claim 27, wherein one or both of the first covering structure or the second covering structure rests on the ground only at resting points configured to slide.
 30. The installation according to claim 26, wherein one or both of the first or the second opening extends up until the top of the first or the second covering structure.
 31. The installation according to claim 26, wherein one or both of the first covering structure or the second covering structure is dome-shaped.
 32. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure is shaped to be substantially complementary to an inner surface of the first covering structure.
 33. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the first covering structure comprises a first frame, which is configured to be self-supporting and to support a first covering element.
 34. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure comprises a second frame, which is configured to be self-supporting and to support a second covering element (33).
 35. The installation (10) according to claim 33, wherein one or both of the first covering element or of a second covering element of the second covering structure, the second covering element being supported by a second frame, comprises a subframe configured to support a covering coating.
 36. The installation according to claim 35, wherein one or both of the first frame or respectively the second frame support a subframe of the first covering element or respectively of the second covering element.
 37. The installation according to claim 35, wherein each of the first covering element and the second covering element have a surface defined at least in part by tessellation.
 38. The installation according to claim 35, wherein the first covering element and the second covering element comprise a covering element that is directly supported by the first or respectively the second frame.
 39. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the first covering structure is composed of a first covering coating which is configured to be self-supporting.
 40. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure is composed of a second covering coating which is configured to be self-supporting.
 41. The installation according to claim 26, wherein one or both of the first covering structure or respectively the second covering structure are rotatable about an ideal vertical axis so as to slide laterally and close thereby the second or respectively the first opening.
 42. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure is located under the first structure and is separate from the first covering structure.
 43. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the first covering structure is self-supporting and the second covering structure is supported by the first covering structure.
 44. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure is hinged to the first covering structure at an upper end.
 45. The installation according to claim 26, wherein the second covering structure is connected to the first covering structure at their upper ends by a guide element. 